Showing posts with label dad's birthday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dad's birthday. Show all posts

Friday, November 27, 2009

The Best Laid Plans

Thanksgiving was a great day of food and family!  I started off with a light breakfast;  I wasn’t super hungry and I knew there would be lots later!  A Pumpkin Smoothie hit the spot…

  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 cup unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze
  • 5 ice cubes
  • 1/2 packet of NuNaturals Stevia
  • sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice

IMG_1855

I reluctantly headed to the basement for a treadmill run.  I was feeling awfully lazy, but knew if I didn’t get in some exercise, I would regret it.  After a quick 2 miles, I felt better.  No regrets!

I decided on a small lunch to tide me over until the REAL eating started!  I used some leftover Baked Seitan (remember when I said it tasted a little like bacon?) to make an SLT on a Pepperidge Farms Deli Flat

IMG_1859

With a honeycrisp apple, it was just the right amount.

Then, it was off to my parents’ house where the good stuff was being prepared!

For starters, an antipasto platter…

IMG_1861

My plate x2…

IMG_1862

Then I got myself a BIG glass of water x2 to avoid any more picking.  I wanted to save up for the other yummy food coming up!

When it was time to sit for dinner, we found these papers at our places…

IMG_1863

Dad always writes a Thanksgiving prayer and big daughter reads it aloud…

IMG_1864

Our first course, as always, was pasta!  This one was fettuccine with bolognese sauce…

IMG_1865

my plate was about a half cup worth…

IMG_1866

Believe me, I wanted more!!  But, I kept reminding myself of the plan - “controlled indulgence”.

After that settled a bit, the big guns donned the table…

Tom…

IMG_1868

stuffing with whole wheat bread and sausage..and butter…and parmesan cheese… I DIE…

IMG_1871

roasted sweets and parsnips…

IMG_1877

broccoli rabe…

IMG_1873

roasted asparagus…

IMG_1869

mashed potatoes (a must for big daughter)…

IMG_1875

biscuits…

IMG_1870

homemade cranberry sauce…

IMG_1872

I had a taste of it all…

IMG_1881

but, I went a little crazy with this…

IMG_1885

Best stuffing EVER!!!

We had a great time at the table reminiscing about our old houses and neighborhoods and the husband asked us to each share all the things that we were thankful for.  We ended up practically giving speeches!  We are very blessed and able to be grateful for even the smallest things, but family was at the top of all our lists!

No Thanksgiving is complete without dessert!  We were also celebrating my Dad’s birthday, so we had his favorites…

My Mom’s homemade cheesecake…again, I DIE…

IMG_1887

and pecan pie…

IMG_1888

and my only contribution to this fabulous day of food – Sugar Free Pumpkin Roll (for Gram who is diabetic).  I used NuNaturals Baking Blend (stevia) in the recipe and it came out surprisingly well…

IMG_1886

I had to have the cheesecake.  One word…AMAZING!!

IMG_1898

I had a nibble or two more of it, but called it a night.  I definitely ate a lot today, but didn’t let myself get stuffed or uncomfortable.  I enjoyed every bite!

***

Happy Birthday, DAD!!!

IMG_1897

ONE GOOD THING:  I was happy with my plan of “controlled indulgence”.  I ate, I enjoyed and didn’t feel guilty or nervous.  I was full but not uncomfortable.  And that’s it – day over.  Back to the normal plan as I remind myself that the holiday was just one day, not the next four!  Back to the plan, stan :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful T-Day!